In a startling submission in the fake encounter case, the Gujarat government on Friday told the Supreme Court that Kausar Bi, wife of encounter victim Sohrabuddin Sheikh may have been killed.

Gujarat government counsel K T S Tulsi said there was "fair suspicion" that Kausar Bi may have been killed while conceding that the state government was unable to produce her.

Kausar Bi has been reported missing since the fake encounter in November 2005 in which her husband was allegedly killed. Three senior police police officers were arrested this week for their involvement in the encounter and they are in police custody.

Tulsi made the submission during the hearing of a petition by the Centre seeking a direction for Gujarat government to produce Kausar Bi.

The Bench headed by Justice Tarun Chatterjee said it will pass its order on Monday after receiving a report from the Gujarat government whether it would be able to produce Kausar Bi.